Outlook: Winnebago is clearly heads and shoulders above the rest of the field, although Oregon took the Indians to overtime in their first Big Northern West matchup. The Hawks have played better of late, including a win over Byron on Tuesday on a last-second tip-in. Byron's leading scorer, Payton, can create lots of matchup problems. Pec is playing well, having won six of nine.

Outlook: While first-year BV coach Jason Marquis says Seneca and St. Bede are clear front-runners, it's hard to see Seneca – let along the other teams – containing the 6-foot-7 Pyszka and his six fellow seniors. BV would be particularly challenged, post Jordan Monier standing just 6-1. Neuhalfen has good size at the point at 6-2, and is a take-over type of talent. The Seneca Fighting Irish will be hard-pressed to build on an Interstate-8 title – and their first conference tourney title – and make their top seed stand up.

Outlook: The Comets hung 80 points on the Rams last Saturday, and their ability to play both man and zone defense effectively will make them a tough solve for this field. West Carroll has shown glimpses this rebuilding season, but not enough to be a legitimate threat. Riverdale will go as far as Richmond will take them, but relying on a singular scoring threat plays into Newman's hands.